5 Tips from Warwick Florists on Keeping Flowers Fresh Longer
Fresh flowers brighten up any space—whether it’s a dinner table, an office desk, or a heartfelt gift. But nothing is more disappointing than seeing your beautiful bouquet wilt after just a couple of days. To help you get the most out of your blooms, we asked several expert florists in Warwick to share their top tips on keeping flowers looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible.
Here’s what they recommend:
1. Start with Clean Tools and a Clean Vase
According to Warwick florists, one of the most overlooked tips is also the most basic: hygiene. Before placing your flowers in a vase, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned.
“Bacteria is the enemy of fresh flowers,” says Sarah from The Bloom Room Warwick. “Even a little leftover residue from a previous bouquet can cut a flower's life in half.”
Use warm, soapy water to clean the vase, and rinse thoroughly. A clean vase helps prevent bacterial growth that can clog stems and accelerate wilting.
2. Trim the Stems—Properly
Re-cutting flower stems at a 45-degree angle helps them absorb water more efficiently. Warwick florists recommend trimming the stems as soon as you get the flowers home, and then re-trimming them every two to three days.
“Always cut under running water if possible,” says Tom at Warwick Flower Studio. “This prevents air bubbles from forming in the stems, which can block water uptake.”
Also, remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline to avoid rot and bacteria.
3. Use Fresh, Cool Water (and Change It Often)
Don’t just top up the water—change it completely every other day. Use cool, clean tap water and rinse the vase if needed. Some florists even recommend adding a small drop of bleach or a crushed aspirin to help reduce bacterial growth, but always ask your florist first if it’s suitable for your bouquet type.
Most Warwick florists include flower food with their arrangements, and it’s a good idea to use it.
“If you run out, a homemade mix of sugar, lemon juice, and a tiny drop of bleach can mimic the same effects,” advises Emily from Petals & Posies Warwick.
4. Keep Flowers Cool and Away from Heat or Sunlight
Placement is everything. Avoid direct sunlight, heating vents, or appliances that give off heat (like TVs and fridges). Heat can dehydrate flowers and speed up wilting.
“Many people leave their bouquet in the kitchen under strong lights or by the window. That’s a fast track to a droopy arrangement,” warns florist Claire from Warwick Blooms & Co.
Aim for a cool, shaded area—especially overnight.
5. Remove Wilting Flowers Early
As soon as you notice a flower starting to wilt, remove it from the arrangement. Dying blooms release ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging of surrounding flowers.
“A little maintenance every day—like pulling out tired stems—can extend the life of the whole bouquet,” says Tom at Warwick Flower Studio.
Also, if your bouquet includes multiple flower types, remember that some (like lilies or tulips) naturally last longer than others. Separate the longer-lasting blooms into a new vase once the others have faded.
Final Thoughts
Keeping flowers fresh isn’t just about looks—it’s a way to honour the beauty and care that went into the arrangement. Warwick’s florists agree: with just a few simple steps, your flowers can last up to a week longer than average.
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